Telangana Plans Auction of Durgam Cheruvu Heritage Hillocks

The Telangana government, through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), is proceeding with the auction of two land parcels adjacent to Durgam Cheruvu. These sites, located in Raidurg Panmaktha village, are noted for their heritage rock formations and their role as part of the lake's catchment area.

The TGIIC has scheduled auctions for two plots, measuring 5.25 acres and 5.38 acres, on August 21 and August 28, 2026, respectively. The set base price is ₹175 crore per acre, bringing the total value for both plots to ₹1,860.25 crore.

What Happened

Two plots of land, identified by plot numbers in Survey No. 83/1 of Raidurg Panmaktha village, are slated for auction by the TGIIC. These areas are described as heritage hillocks and form part of the Durgam Cheruvu catchment. Photographs suggest a landscape sloping towards the lake, which critics argue contradicts government claims of lake protection and ecological conservation.

Background

Rock enthusiasts state that the land parcel was previously designated as 'Heritage Precincts' due to the presence of substantial rock formations estimated to be 250 crore years old. These formations are part of the ancient Deccan Traps/Plateau basement complex and are among the oldest exposed rock surfaces globally. The Society to Save Rocks lists the 'Hillocks around Durgam Cheruvu' as a key heritage site, protected under Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority zoning regulations, similar to the Khajaguda heritage rocks. A member of the Society recalled efforts in 2009-10 to have the entire area designated as a park to prevent future allocations, but the land was ultimately allocated and later resumed.

Key Facts

• The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) is auctioning two plots of land near Durgam Cheruvu.
• The plots are located in Survey No. 83/1 of Raidurg Panmaktha village.
• Plot 1 is 5.25 acres and Plot 2 is 5.38 acres.
• The auction notification was published on August 1, 2026.
• Auctions are scheduled for August 21, 2026 (Plot 1) and August 28, 2026 (Plot 2).
• The base price is fixed at ₹175 crore per acre.
• The total value for both plots is ₹1,860.25 crore.
• The land contains heritage rock formations considered 250 crore years old, part of the Deccan Traps/Plateau basement complex.
• The 'Hillocks around Durgam Cheruvu' are listed by the Society to Save Rocks as a protected heritage site.
• Social media users have expressed criticism regarding ecological concerns and traffic congestion in the area.